Recap Town Council Meeting - October 16th, 2012

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – OCTOBER 16TH

At last night’s town council meeting it was business as usual with the exception of Vice-Chair Pomelow’s dramatic farewell speech.  Also prior to the meeting was “Meet the Candidates”.  This lasted approximately half an hour and each candidate answered questions presented by the moderator and the Public providing their positions on a number of issues.

The meeting started with a Public Hearing on the proposed Fireworks Ordinance.   Approximately six individuals voiced their concerns and positions on the pros and cons of the Fireworks Ordinance.

Next we had the Audience Participation and the council answered a few questions like Scott Benson is working on the debriefing and financial statements for the Moxie Festival.  I also asked:

If the town collected all the back taxes owed by the people who took advantage of illegal exemptions, turned the Comm Center over to the County and eliminated the hiding of monies could we have experienced a reduction in our taxes?  No answer was received.

 Why is it the people were told the town had grants for the police department and when I requested copies of these grants I was told there were none?  No answer was received with both Mr. Eldridge and Chief Brooks present.

During Audience Participation Response, Chairman LaRochelle stated the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) payments were legal and there were no funds missing.  He also stated the town is working with the state to resolve the issue on back taxes owed the town by LLC’s who have claimed Homestead Exemption for numerous years. 

Under Council, Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances there was only one order of business and that was the second reading and vote on the proposed Fireworks Ordinance.  The council approved the Fireworks Ordinance by a vote of 6 to 1 with Councilor Mason voting No.  The ordinance goes into effect 21 days from last night.

Under Other Business the Finance Director provided a report on the expenses and revenues for the town since the last report.  Also the Town Manager stated the Fisher Bridge project should be finished by the end of the month.  The European Ambassador from Portugal visited Lisbon.  The County is reviewing the budget for Dispatch.  The Recreation Department Report was rescheduled.

During Councilor Communications Vice-Chair Pomelow gave her farewell speech.  (Please see Vice-Chair Pomelow’s Farewell Speech on the Lisbon Reporter for further details).

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen